There’s no denying the impact technology has had on healthcare. Not only has it made diagnosing and treating ailments easier than ever, but it’s also contributed to extending life spans and reducing the incidence of preventable diseases among populations all over the world. The truth, however, is that this trend doesn’t only have positive implications, and in some cases, it’s taken us several steps backward in terms of our overall health and well-being.
How tech can hurt your body
Too much sitting. Thanks to smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, and other electronic devices—we’re spending more time sitting than ever before. That sedentary lifestyle is taking a serious toll on our health—and not just because we don’t get enough exercise (though that’s certainly true). New research suggests that looking at light-emitting screens in dark rooms at night disrupts circadian rhythms in such a way that changes metabolism (i.e., calorie burning). Scientists have coined a new term for our dependence on digital media: technoference. We feel distracted not only by the buzz of notifications when someone reaches out electronically, but also by our inability to concentrate if there are any distractions around us. Our addiction to technology is hurting us.
Tech can help your body
Your phone or fitness tracker is a goldmine of health information. It can help you understand your sleep patterns (could mean you're sleep-deprived), daily step count (might reveal that exercise is not your cup of tea), and average heart rate during workouts (suggests you may need to up your intensity) and more. Armed with all that data, you’ll be better able to pinpoint what works for your body—and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Just remember not to get too obsessed with numbers; in a perfect world we'd all look like supermodels at age 40—but if our bodies are being forced into actions they aren't designed for, it will take its toll down the line.
How tech keeps us fit
Technology has been improving at a rapid pace in recent years. We have everything from fitness trackers to smart devices that can help us stay fit, improve our health and achieve our goals. And with each passing year, there are more options available to get people up off their couches. So, before you go thinking that technology is bad for your health--because it turns out it might be your saving grace.
How tech hinders our fitness plans
If you’re trying to lose weight or get fit and using a fitness app (like Strava), you likely enjoy having support—not just in terms of knowing your friends are out there working out too, but also as something to occupy your mind. You can also motivate yourself by comparing your stats with other people (which is why apps like Strava allow you to join other users). But social support alone isn’t enough. A study found that those who were more physically active didn't necessarily eat better or have better diets than their less-active peers; rather, they were more likely to try new strategies like switching up their diet or ordering differently at restaurants.